For My Girls began as a quiet dream shared by Leigh Ord and perfumer Tammy Frazer: to grow a fragrance from the ground up, rooted in nature, and meaning. Could a scent be cultivated, not just created? That question led to the damascena rose - a rare flower central to the world’s finest perfumes. With few grown locally in South Africa, the journey took them to Bulgaria, where generations of rose farmers shared their centuries-old wisdom: roses must be picked at dawn during a short 3-week window, and it takes around 3,000 petals to yield just one gram of oil. Every detail mattered; from harvesting techniques to the perfect balance of sun and cool nights.

 

Inspired, Leigh and Tammy took the leap of faith and imported 4,000 damascena rose plants from Bulgaria to be planted at Waterford Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. The plants arrived on a symbolic day - the day of Nelson Mandela’s funeral - a moment that felt like a quiet blessing, rooting something beautiful in South African soil.

 

What followed was a slow and hopeful wait. The team at Waterford nurtured the plants for years, unsure when they’d bloom.

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Slowly, the rose bushes grew stronger, and experiments with steam distillation began.

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What emerged was unexpected. The oil yield was low, but the rosewater was rich, soft, and utterly beautiful. Rather than separate, the damascena essence infused directly into the water, creating a delicate, natural scent that became the heart of the project.

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Alongside the rosewater, the For My Girls fragrance was carefully developed by Tammy, whose deep knowledge of botanical materials helped shape a scent that would feel fresh, light, and long-lasting. It was crafted with intention, using raw materials that unfold gently on the skin.

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This is a fragrance grown with intention and with care. From Bulgaria to Stellenbosch. From roots to Rose Water. From a scented dream to bottled fragrance. And now a beautiful way to give back, with all proceeds supporting literacy and education through Vintage with Love.